Which aspects of Epic Theatre and Brecht's philosophy are found in scene one of 'Mother Courage and her children'?

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Introduction

Which aspects of Epic Theatre and Brecht's philosophy are found in scene one of 'Mother Courage and her children'? Brecht reformed theatre, as he did not believe in following conventions. He created 'Epic Theatre' as apposed to 'Dramatic Theatre'. Within this concept of Epic Theatre came many different techniques. Brecht uses many of these in the first scene of 'Mother Courage and her children'. The first of his methods evident in scene one is 'Active Audience'. As we have established 'Mother Courage and her children' is set during the time of a war. We expect characters in the play to dread and despise war, especially those who took part in battles. Brecht challenges our expectations and creates a Sergeant who is pro-war. ...read more.

Middle

'Brecht uses 'placards' to assist us in understanding scenes in the intended way. Placards are used at the beginning of a scene and reveal the most important of aspect of the scene. This is so the audience do not concentrate on the prominent issue but on the effect that issue has. In scene one Brecht informs us Mother Courage looses a son. We then await the reaction this will have. Scene one teaches us a lot about Mother Courage. We are not told much of her past but learn about her character through her actions in the present. This is almost like a 'snap-shot' in time. Brecht reveals most about Mother Courage through another of his techniques-'Music'. Mother Courage sings a song that is very informative and useful in understanding her character. 'The new year's come. ...read more.

Conclusion

This is symbolic as her children are her life and are on the stage with her but also the wagon-her business is equally important if not more and that too is on the stage. Mother Courage has her children pull the wagon along, signifying that the wagon does hold many memories. She has travelled to various destinations on her wagon as she attempts to make sales. During scene one, it is her obsession with her business that becomes her weakness as she tries to make a sale failing to notice her son is being easily persuaded and lead away by the Recruiter. Of course Mother Courage shows no real concern. 'You'll have to help your bother pull now, Kattrin.' Brecht reformed theatre because he was unique, and inventive. He did not want to conform to the conventions of traditional theatre. He will be remembered for generations for his originality. ...read more.

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